A motion mechanism for a trailing edge of a flexible wing

Abstract

The invention relates to a movement mechanism for a trailing edge of a flexible wing, comprising a support, which is mounted on the flexible wing, a main link, which is pivotably connected at a first end to the support and at a second end to a trailing edge element of the trailing edge, a transmission section, which is fixedly connected to the main link, a rocker arm, which has a first connection point, such that the rocker arm can pivot relative to the first connection point, and which is pivotably connected at a second connection point to the transmission section, a constraint link, which is pivotably connected at one end to the support and at the other end to the rocker arm at a first connection point of the rocker arm, and a side link, which is pivotably connected at a first end to the rocker arm at a third connection point of the rocker arm and at a second end to the trailing edge element of the trailing edge, wherein the distance between the second connection point and the first connection point is smaller than the distance between the third connection point and the first connection point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of airframe structure design, and more specifically to a motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the ailerons and other wings in civil aircraft are typically driven by fixed-axis deflection, meaning they rotate around a fixed suspension point located on the aileron nacelle. The leading edge of the aileron is designed as a cylindrical surface centered on the axis of rotation, ensuring that the distance between the leading edge of the aileron and the trailing edges of the upper and lower bulkheads of the aileron nacelle remains constant during movement. This facilitates overlapping and sealing between the upper and lower bulkheads of the aileron nacelle and the upper and lower surfaces of the aileron.

[0003] However, fixed-axis deflection has obvious drawbacks: when the aileron deflects away from the neutral position, the aileron surface and the aileron nacelle surface will inevitably have a fold point. The surface at the fold point is not smooth and flexible, so the airfoil shape is no longer smooth and continuous, which reduces aerodynamic efficiency.

[0004] To address this issue, a flexible wing concept has been proposed. Through a rational structural layout and drive design, the flexible wing can deflect the movable surface to its extreme and intermediate positions, satisfying design requirements. This allows for a smooth transition between the fixed wing and the upper and lower wing surfaces of the movable surface, avoiding seams, bulges, and depressions, thus achieving optimal transition between the upper and lower wing surfaces. Consequently, during flight, airflow between the upper and lower wing surfaces is smoother, resulting in higher aerodynamic performance.

[0005] In order to meet the design requirements of new flexible wings and realize the movement of flexible wings to different positions, this invention proposes a specific implementation scheme for such flexible wings. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the issue of reduced aerodynamic efficiency caused by inflection points in existing fixed-axis deflection wings, this invention proposes a motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing. This mechanism drives the aileron to deflect to a suitable position to meet the overall aerodynamic design requirements for the aileron. Furthermore, this mechanism ensures that the upper and lower surfaces of the aileron remain smooth and flat during deflection, maintaining a continuous shape without inflection points and seamlessly connecting to the fixed wing, thereby improving aerodynamic efficiency.

[0007] Specifically, this motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing includes a support mounted on the flexible wing; a main link, the first end of which is pivotally connected to the support, and the second end of which is pivotally connected to a trailing edge movable member at the trailing edge; a transmission section fixedly connected to the main link; a rocker arm having a first connection point such that the rocker arm can pivot relative to the first connection point, and the transmission section pivotally connected to the rocker arm at a second connection point; a constraint link, one end of which is pivotally connected to the support, and the other end of which is pivotally connected to the rocker arm at the first connection point; and a side link, the first end of which is pivotally connected to the rocker arm at a third connection point, and the second end of which is pivotally connected to a trailing edge movable member at the trailing edge, wherein the distance between the second connection point and the first connection point is less than the distance between the third connection point and the first connection point.

[0008] Preferably, the transmission section is integrally formed with the main connecting rod.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the motion mechanism further includes a drive section, which is fixed at one end to the main connecting rod and connected to the actuator at the other end.

[0010] Preferably, the drive section is integrally formed with the main connecting rod.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second connection point of the rocker arm is located between the first connection point and the third connection point of the rocker arm.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the main connecting rod is located above the side connecting rod.

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the described motion mechanism will be set forth in the detailed description below, and will be recognized by those skilled in the art from the following description or from practice of the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] With reference to the above objectives, the technical features of the present invention are clearly described in the following embodiments, and its advantages are apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention by way of example, without limiting the scope of the inventive concept.

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the trailing edge of a flexible wing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 A perspective view of a motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The magnified exploded view of circle A in the image;

[0018] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 The magnified exploded view in circle B;

[0019] Figure 5 A side view of a motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the wing is in a neutral position;

[0020] Figure 6 A side view of a motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the trailing edge moving member of the wing moves upward; and

[0021] Figure 7 A side view of a motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the trailing edge moving member of the wing moves downward.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] 1. Sports organization

[0024] 2. Trailing edge moving parts

[0025] 3. Upper skin

[0026] 4. Lower skin

[0027] 11 supports

[0028] 111 First support connection point

[0029] 112 Second support connection point

[0030] 12 Main connecting rods

[0031] 121 Main connecting rod first end

[0032] 122 Main connecting rod second end

[0033] 13 Transmission Section

[0034] 14 Rocker arm

[0035] 141 First Connection Point

[0036] 142 Second Connection Point

[0037] 143 Third Connection Point

[0038] 15. Constraint Link

[0039] 151 First end of constraint link

[0040] 152 Second end of constraint link

[0041] 16 side linkages

[0042] 161 Side connecting rod first end

[0043] 162 Side connecting rod second end

[0044] 17 Drive Section

[0045] 171 Driver End Detailed Implementation

[0046] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to better understand the purpose, features and advantages of the present invention.

[0047] The term “connection” as used in this article includes both direct and indirect connections (e.g., connections via a transmission mechanism).

[0048] The terms “pivot” and “rotation” as used in this article refer to the relative rotation of two components about a pivot point or rotation point, and not just the pivoting of a component about a pivot point with a fixed part (e.g., the fuselage) as a reference, since the pivot point may be displaced relative to the reference point.

[0049] As used in this article, the term "connection point" refers to the part of a component that is used to connect or mate with other components. These connection points may include through holes, protrusions, etc.

[0050] The directional terms "up" and "down" used in this article are based on Figure 5-7 The view shown is used to describe this.

[0051] The terms "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" used in this article to describe the rotational motion of various components are based on... Figure 5-7 The side view shown is used to describe this.

[0052] Figure 1 A partial view of the trailing edge of a flexible wing (e.g., an aileron) of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aircraft includes a flexible wing, a motion mechanism 1, a trailing edge movable member 2, an upper skin 3, and a lower skin 4. The motion mechanism 1 is connected to the trailing edge movable member 2 to cause the trailing edge movable member 2 to move upward and downward (see [reference]). Figure 6-7 The upper skin 3 and the lower skin 4 cover and fit the trailing edge movable part 2. The upper skin 3 and the lower skin 4 have suitable rigidity and flexibility, so that when the trailing edge movable part 2 moves, it can always meet the requirements of smooth and compliant connection and transition with the trailing edge movable part 2 and the wing surface (not shown) of the wing cabin, and meet the requirements of bearing aerodynamic loads under normal operating conditions of the aircraft.

[0053] Figure 2 A motion mechanism 1 (in) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 (marked in the middle), which includes support 11, main connecting rod 12, drive part 13, rocker arm 14, side connecting rod 15 and constraint connecting rod 16, etc.

[0054] The following is combined Figure 3 and 4 These components are described in detail. Note that for clarity, Figure 3 and 4 The pivot pins between the components have been removed.

[0055] Reference Figure 3 and 4 The support 11 is fixedly mounted on the flexible wing (not shown) to support the entire motion mechanism. In this embodiment, the support 11 is L-shaped with a recess to provide space for the constraint link 16 described below. However, in other embodiments, the support 11 may take different forms, such as C-shaped or rectangular, depending on the specific design. Furthermore, the support 11 may also be designed as a separate unit and assembled during use.

[0056] As shown in the figure, the main connecting rod 12 includes the first end 121 of the main connecting rod (see figure). Figure 3 ) and the second end 122 of the main connecting rod (see Figure 4 The main connecting rod has a first end 121 pivotally connected to the support 11 at the first support connection point 111, and a second end 122 pivotally connected to the rear edge movable member 2. Since the support 11 is fixed, the main connecting rod 12 rotates about the first support connection point 111 of the support, thereby driving the rear edge movable member 2 to move.

[0057] Here and in the following text, the "pivotable connection" is achieved by inserting a pivot pin through a hole at the connection point 111 between the first end 121 and the first support. However, it should be understood that other pivotal connection methods are possible, such as spherical protrusions and recessed fits, and these connection methods can be used in combination. The methods of pivotal connection will not be described in detail below.

[0058] Reference Figure 3The diagram shows a transmission section 13, which is fixedly connected to the main connecting rod 12 to transmit the movement of the main connecting rod 12. In this preferred embodiment, the transmission section 13 is integrally formed with the main connecting rod 12; however, similar to the description above regarding the support, the transmission section 13 and the main connecting rod 12 can be separate components, and one end of the transmission section 13 can be fixed to the main connecting rod 12 for assembly into use. It is noteworthy that the transmission section 13 in this embodiment has a bent shape to accommodate the rocker arm 14 described below, but the transmission section 13 can adopt different shapes depending on the specific design.

[0059] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The rocker arm 14 has a first connection point 141, allowing it to pivot relative to the pivot point 141. In this embodiment, the rocker arm 14 is connected to the support 11 via a constraint link 15. Specifically, the first end 151 of the constraint link 15 is pivotally connected to the second support connection point 112 of the support 11, and the second end 152 of the constraint link is pivotally connected to the first connection point 141 of the rocker arm 14. Further, the transmission section 13 is pivotally connected to the rocker arm 14 at the second connection point 142. Thus, the support 11, the main link 12, the drive section 13, the rocker arm 14, and the constraint link 15 form a structure similar to a four-bar linkage. Therefore, the transmission section 13 can transmit the motion of the main link 12 to the rocker arm 14, thereby driving the motion of the rocker arm 14. Alternatively, the main link 12, drive section 13, rocker arm 14, and constraint link 15 can be designed such that regardless of which direction the main link 12 initially pivots, the constraint link 15 initially pivots in the same direction.

[0060] In another possible embodiment, the constraint link can be omitted. In this case, the rocker arm 14 can be elastically telescopic, and the two ends of the rocker arm 14 can be directly pivotally connected between the support 11 and the transmission section 13, so that the movement of the main link 12 can drive the rocker arm 14 through the transmission section 13. At the same time, the positional relationship between the rocker arm 14 and the support 11 can be adjusted by extending and retracting.

[0061] In another possible embodiment, the constraint link can be omitted, and the second connection point 142 of the rocker arm 14 can be designed as a strip groove in which an elastic member can be present. Both ends of the rocker arm 14 can be directly pivotally connected between the support 11 and the transmission section 13, so that the movement of the main link 12 can drive the rocker arm 14 through the transmission section 13. At the same time, one end of the transmission section can move between the strip grooves of the rocker arm 14 to adjust the positional relationship with the support 11.

[0062] As shown in the figure, the side link 16 includes a first end 161 and a second end 162. The first end 161 is pivotally connected to the rocker arm 14 at the third connection point 143, and the second end 162 is pivotally connected to the trailing edge movable member 2, thereby driving the trailing edge movable member 2 to move. In this embodiment of the invention, the distance between the second connection point 142 and the first connection point 141 of the rocker arm 14 is smaller than the distance between the third connection point 143 and the first connection point 141. Its function is to "amplify" the movement of the main link 12 and transmit it to the trailing edge movable member 2 through the side link 16, so that the movement amplitude obtained by the trailing edge movable member 2 from the side link 16 is greater than the movement amplitude obtained from the rotation of the main link 12. Thus, the trailing edge movable member 2 is pushed or pulled by the side link 16 to rotate around the first end 121 of the main link. Furthermore, by adjusting the relative distance between each connection point, the desired ratio of the rotation of the trailing edge moving part 2 to the rotation of the main connecting rod 12 can be obtained.

[0063] In this embodiment, the second connection point 142 of the rocker arm 14 is located between the first connection point 141 and the third connection point 143 of the rocker arm 14. In other embodiments, the first connection point 141 of the rocker arm 14 may be located between the second connection point 142 and the third connection point 143 of the rocker arm 14, and the movement direction of the transmission section 13 or the side connecting rod 16 connected to the rocker arm 14 can be changed by an additional transmission mechanism, thereby similarly realizing the function of amplifying the movement of the rocker arm 14.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present invention, the motion mechanism 1 further includes a drive section 17, which is fixed at one end to the main connecting rod 12 and connected to an actuator (not shown) at the other end (i.e., drive end 171), so that the actuator can drive the drive section 17 (e.g., push and pull) to move the main connecting rod 12, the rocker arm 14 and the side connecting rod 16.

[0065] Preferably, the drive section 17 is integrally formed with the main connecting rod 12. However, similarly, the drive section 17 and the main connecting rod 12 can be separate components and can be assembled for use.

[0066] Alternatively, the drive section 17 may not be fixed to the main link 12, but rather to the rocker arm 14, so that the actuator can drive the rocker arm 14 to move, and the rocker arm 14 in turn drives the main link 12 and the side link 16 to move.

[0067] In another embodiment, the motion mechanism 1 may not include a drive section, but may directly connect the actuator to the main linkage or rocker arm to drive its movement.

[0068] In other embodiments, the specific positions and forms of the various ends of the main connecting rod 12 and the various sections connected thereto can be set according to actual needs.

[0069] The following reference Figure 5-7 This section describes how to operate the motion mechanism 1 of an embodiment of the invention to control the movement of the trailing edge movable member 2 and thus the wing. It should be understood that the following description is based on the condition that the main link 12 of the motion member 1 is above the side link 16. When the main link 12 is below the side link 16, the above operation can be reversed, and the same movement of the trailing edge movable member 2 can be achieved.

[0070] Figure 5 The wing is shown in a neutral position, where the drive section 17 is not driven.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, when the trailing edge movable member 2 needs to rotate upward, the actuator causes the drive end 171 of the drive section 17 to move to the left, at which time the main connecting rod 12 will move counterclockwise. At this time, the rocker arm 14, driven by the transmission section 13 fixed to the main connecting rod 12, also moves counterclockwise under the constraint of the constraint link 15, and the rocker arm 14 drives the side link 16 to drive the trailing edge movable member 2 to rotate. Since the range of motion obtained by the trailing edge movable member 2 from the side link 16 is greater than the range of motion obtained from the rotation of the main link 12, the following can be achieved: Figure 6 The result of the upward rotation of the wing trailing edge is shown.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, when the trailing edge movable member 2 needs to rotate downwards, the actuator causes the drive end 171 of the drive section 17 to move to the right, at which time the main connecting rod 12 will move clockwise. At this time, the rocker arm 14, driven by the transmission section 13 fixed to the main connecting rod 12, also moves clockwise under the constraint of the constraint link 15, and the rocker arm 14 drives the side link 16 to drive the trailing edge movable member 2 to rotate. Since the range of motion obtained by the trailing edge movable member 2 from the side link 16 is greater than the range of motion obtained from the rotation of the main connecting rod 12, the following can be achieved: Figure 7 The result of the downward rotation of the wing trailing edge is shown.

[0073] The vertical position of the trailing edge movable surface can be controlled by controlling the driving amount of the actuator.

[0074] While the structure of the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above examples are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Therefore, modifications and variations can be made to the present invention, and all such modifications and variations will fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing, comprising: Support, which is mounted on the flexible wing; A main connecting rod, the first end of which is pivotally connected to the support, and the second end of which is pivotally connected to the trailing edge movable member. A transmission section, which is fixedly connected to the main connecting rod; A rocker arm having a first connection point such that the rocker arm can pivot relative to the first connection point, and a transmission section being pivotally connected to the rocker arm at a second connection point of the rocker arm; A constraint link, one end of which is pivotally connected to the support, and the other end of which is pivotally connected to the rocker arm at the first connection point of the rocker arm; A side link, wherein the main link is located above the side link, the first end of the side link is pivotally connected to the rocker arm at the third connection point of the rocker arm, and the second end of the side link is pivotally connected to the rear edge movable member of the rear edge; as well as A drive section, which is fixed at one end to the main connecting rod and connected to the actuator at the other end. Wherein, the distance between the second connection point and the first connection point is less than the distance between the third connection point and the first connection point, and The second connection point of the rocker arm is located between the first connection point and the third connection point of the rocker arm.

2. The motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission section is integrally formed with the main connecting rod.

3. The motion mechanism for the trailing edge of a flexible wing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive section is integrally formed with the main connecting rod.

4. An aircraft comprising a flexible wing and a motion mechanism for the trailing edge of the flexible wing as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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